Echolink for Dummies Seriously, if I can do it, so can you.
What is Echolink? A method for digitally linking transceivers or repeaters, regardless of location. A method for accessing remote transceivers Sort of like remote control
What is Echolink? Echolink uses the internet to pass digitized packets of sound from one node to another. Think of Netflix and how they send movies to your computer However this is more like Skype, which sends Audio from one Skype location to another. This is known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
Three ways to connect Echolink connects in three different ways Direct User Internet enabled smart phone or Internet enabled computer with speaker and microphone Echolink enabled Repeater Audio feed of the repeater is received by Echolink node & relayed onto the echolink system (Breakfast club Net) Echolink enabled simplex link Audio feed of a single transceiver (NE8K-L on 145.570 Mhz)
Direct Connect User Smartphone offers Echolink app. Like using a cell phone, but your audio is ported onto the echolink system over the internet. Enables you to in essence, remotely control a host transceiver anywhere in the world Some of our breakfast club net participants use their smart phones to participate by using NE8K s computer controlled ICOM in Haslett to transmit onto the net.
Direct Connect Via internet connected computer If you have broad band internet (cable, DSL, etc.) Uses your computer s speakers and internal microphone Enables you to connect to a remote transceiver and participate in (inter)national nets and conferences, such as the *dodropin*
What is a conference? A conference is a linking of various repeaters, links, direct connect users and other conferences. Sort of like a big party line: Audio streams in from all the various connected nodes, users, and conferences. Echolink sorts it out to prevent doubling.
Echolink enabled repeater A local repeater that has its audio streamed onto the internet. Echolink users from anywhere in the world can connect and transmit onto the repeater. Echolink connection may be physically located at repeater, or may be remotely located 145.390 is connected remotely, via NE8K s ICOM- V8000 in Haslett for the breakfast club net.
Cartoon illustration #1
Echolink connected Simplex Link Simplex link, like a repeater, connects Echolink to a local transceiver but is tuned to a simplex frequency. Local Simplex users may not necessarily hear each other, but may be able to use the same link. NE8K-L (145.570 Mhz) out of Haslett is periodically enabled for local participation with other Echolink nets during the evening.
Three different connections Direct: Smartphone, or computer To remotely transmit/receive on actual repeaters & simplex links all over the world. Repeater: You are, in essence, an echolink user whenever the repeater is connected to Echolink. Breakfast club Net has international participation for over a month now. Simplex Link: NE8K-L for chatting on international nets via HT from anywhere in Meridian Twp, and E. Lansing.
Installing Echolink Go to http://echolink.org/ to download and install the software. Ensure that your computer has an operational mic and speaker. Most laptops already have these features. Desktop computers will need some kind of mic, such as: Logitech Clearchat Stereo Headset ($9 from Amazon.com)
Registration of Echolink Either scan your license, Photograph it, or fax it for proof of licensure. Echolink requires proof that you are a ham. Save the graphic on your computer. Instructions are found on echolink.org website. You may also donate $1 to Echolink.org via credit card for instant validation. It s Easy and painless. I can t believe I waited as long as I did.
Registering Echolink http://www.echolink.org/validation/
Each connection type needs validation
Configuring your router Your router may work straight away. If it doesn t, like if you run a firewall, you may need to configure the port. Access your router and set up a pass-through. Open ports 5198 through 5201 for echolink access. Some routers will trigger on echolink, and open the port via port range triggering. If you are really stuck, See: http://portforward.com/english/applications/por t_forwarding/echolink/echolinkindex.htm
Port range triggering
Okay, so far You ve installed the software You ve gotten a microphone & speakers You have an internet connection You have validated via echolink Now what??
Open the Echolink software. Log into your profile. Pick your preferences. Set the sysop settings. Try connecting to conference *ECHOTEST* Adjust your audio. Echotest is an audio echoing conference. It will echo back whatever audio you stream to it.
Choose your profile
Echolink main screen
Echolink setup Your setup will depend on how you use the software Use it as standalone for direct connection No physical radio Use it as a transceiver controller Either to control a repeater or a simplex link Use it remotely via ftp For power users: will not discuss at this time
Echolink setup System setup determines how you will use Echolink. Single user for direct connect Sysop for links and repeater use
Echolink setup Audio is critical: You must select the input device, which is your sound card but could also be a set of USB headphones. The output device might be your sound card or it might be your microphone.
Choosing your preferences Here s the nuts and bolts of your Echolink. If you are setting up a link or repeater, enable conferencing but limit the max number of stations to 2 to 5 unless you have lots of bandwidth.
PTT Control I like the control key but you can use the space bar. Be sure to click Momentary! The serial port is for when you use a TNC and an actual radio.
Sysop settings: RX control Receive control is an important window. Use VOX if you are bringing audio in from a receiver. Squelch must be aggressive to prevent open air transmit the net. Use Manual if you are connecting direct with your computer
TX Control When transmitting from echolink onto your local transceiver, PTT activation will enable the echolink traffic from remote users to key up your radio. RTS seems to work best when using rigblasters.
DTMF control On-air control of Echolink is possible with DTMF commands. Connect, disconnect, system status, etc. Turn on auto mute to keep your DTMF commands off the echolink.
Identity When using Echolink with a transceiver, your link can auto-identify for you.
RF Info This is information that is presented to other users of Echolink. It describes the physical location of your echolink node.
Echolink setup summary In summary, Set up your profile as either user, link, or repeater My Station tab of system setup Set up your sound card Audio tab of system setup Set up your preferences Connections tab of Preferences PTT Control
Echolink Setup summary If transceiver is used, set up your Sysop settings RX Control TX Control DTMF Control Identity RF Information
Time to tune. Once you are set up, try to connect to *echotest* conference. Echotest will echo back anything you transmit. Enables you to hear yourself and to tune both your transmit and receive audio. Once Echotest is working you are good to go.
Click on start > control panel > Sounds and Audio Sound playback is for the sound coming OUT of your computer, i.e. audio from Echolink Sound recording is for the sound going IN, namely, your audio. Audio adjust
Watch the bar on the lower-right. Blue represents instantaneous audio level. Red bar represents the momentary peak. The object is to adjust the red bar has high up as possible without hitting the very top. Audio adjust
Exploring Echolink Echolink lets you connect to repeaters across the world. Some are in English, many are not. http://echolink.g4eid.co.uk/status/all_confere nces.html This link shows you instantly which conferences are hot; i.e. lots of users. Other buttons show which connections have multiple connections.
Popular places Echolink lets you save your favorite users, links, repeaters, and conferences, as well as set up alarms when they come online.
Other places IRELAND conference Europe s ragchew central DODROPIN conference USA s ragchew channel NASA channel Live audio feed from ISS (users muted) WORLD Conference Lots of lndividual links and repeaters
Echolink hardware for link. Echolink linked hardware enables you to roam your neighborhood with an HT and still access the world. You need a computer Transceiver HT for roaming TNC Such as Rigblaster Pro Plenty of choices Useful for packet, Slow scan TV And more.
Types of TNCs www.westmountainradio.com Rigblaster series. Good quality, higher cost. http://www.tigertronics.com Integrated sound card, looks nice. Available through HRO, Universal Radio, etc. $110. www.ilinkboards.com Less than $100 www.mfjenterprises.com MFJ-1275 for about $105
Connections to TNC Audio wire from radio to your mic input on the computer Audio wire from speakerout of computer to the TNC RS232 cable from computer to TNC for PTT operation. TNC to MIC input of the radio
Connecting the RS232 Most computers require a USB to RS232 adapter cable Each time you plug it into a different USB port, a new COM port is assigned. So don t do that. When installing the cable, you may need to provide a driver disc, especially if using an older operating system like Windows XP (or older!) Get the driver off the manufacturer s website if you don t have the disc.
Verifying your RS232 port Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Open the device manager and click on ports. This will tell you the COM port number that is assigned to your RS232 link.
Final testing Once the COM port is enabled, and the TNC is connected, and the radio is ON, dial up a simplex channel and experiment with audio levels using *Echotest* like before. Note, Echotest can also be used to create an echo repeater on your simplex link! You can now communicate via Echolink with a VHF transceiver, such as a small HT from about the home and neighborhood.
Main window view
Echolink additional features Text box for online chat to computer connected and phone connected users Share text, pictures, or clickable links Audio recording and playback Remote audio playback (if enabled on remote conference) Configuration of DTMF commands (system operators only, if you are running a link or repeater connection) Remote operation through FTP / proxy
Radio DTMF commands Remote control of the link is possible via DTMF, much like control of a conventional repeater station.
Some DTMF commands Command Description Default Connect Connect by Call RandomFavNode RandomFavConf Disconnect Connects to a station on the Internet, based on its node number. Connects to a station on the Internet, based on its callsign. num C+call+# Selects an available node (of any type) at random from Favorites 1 Selects a conference server at random from the Favorites List 21 Disconnects the most recent station currently connected. # Disconnect All Disconnects all stations. ## Reconnect Status Re-connects to the station that most recently disconnected. 9 Announces the callsign of each station currently connected. 8 Play Info Plays a brief ID message. * http://www.echolink.org/help/dtmf_functions.htm
Additional information Plenty of additional information may be found at: http://www.echolink.org Help files, software downloads, etc. http://dodropin.org
Echolink for Dummies NE8K Daniel Burk Simplex channel 145.570 Mhz, 10 watts NE8K-L node number 613391 Repeater channel 145.390 Mhz, 25 watts NE8K-R node number 620311 NE8K transceiver ICOM-V8000, typ. 10 watts into a hand-made super J-pole at 32 ft. Approx. 10 mile radius effective simplex range
NE8K Station
NE8K VHF Station
NE8K VHF Station
Rigblaster TNC and base mic
Super J-pole @ 32 ft.